Building Biotechs

This week we chatted with Cheri Ackerman, PhD, Cofounder & CEO of Concerto Biosciences. During her postdoctoral work at MIT, she developed the groundbreaking kChip technology that led to the formation of Concerto Biosciences. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of building a company during the pandemic and the importance of learning the business side of biotech as a scientific founder. As always, we trumpet the value of building a network to leverage during the growth process. Cheri gives really great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, which is to keep learning and embrace asking questions when you don’t know something. I also loved her views on adapting and experimenting in business, which is one of the key values at Concerto. 00:00 Introduction and Early Career Aspirations00:09 Journey to Becoming a CEO01:12 Founding Concerto Biosciences02:31 Understanding the Microbiome04:56 Concerto's Innovative Approach07:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Building a Company08:58 Navigating the Funding Climate13:00 Building a Strong Team21:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs29:34 Future Goals and Aspirations31:55 Conclusion and Contact InformationGet Cheri's recommended books! Measure What MattersThe Founder's Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup (The Kauffman Foundation Series on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 13)No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of ReinventionGood to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don'tWhoLearn more about Concerto BiosciencesLink In with Cheri!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

This week I sat down with Krysta Pellegrino, Chief Client Officer at Health+Commerce, a public relations and marketing agency specifically focused on healthcare. Krysta shared her unique perspective on how biotech companies can leverage communications strategies to tell their stories effectively, attract talent, and navigate complex challenges. She offered insights on the importance of integrated communications, the evolving landscape of media, and how agencies like H+C can help startups and established companies alike build their brands and communicate their innovations. We also touched on the importance of media training, investor pitch decks, and future trends in biotech communications, including the growing role of AI and integrated digital strategies.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:15 Early Career Aspirations and Path01:03 Journey in Healthcare Communications03:23 Role and Impact of PR in Biotech05:40 Talent Acquisition and Company Culture07:43 Leveraging Social Media and Video10:52 Strategies for Startups and Established Companies18:16 Investor Relations and Pitch Decks22:02 Media and Presentation Training27:01 Future Trends in Biotech Communications31:37 Crisis Management and Scenario Planning35:19 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsGet Krysta's recommended book: An Instance of the FingerpostLearn more about Healthcare Digital Marketing Agency | Health+CommerceLink In with Krysta!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

In this episode, I had the privilege to interview Bonnie Bertolaet, Ph.D, Executive Director of Science Club for Girls, and Ashley Cooper, MS, MPhil, Curriculum Writer and Evaluation Manager at Science Club for Girls and former Co-Director of the Harvard Chapter of Science Club for Girls. Science Club for Girls aims to ignite excitement, confidence, and literacy in STEM among girls and gender-expansive youth from underrepresented communities. Bonnie and Ashley shared insights into how the organization operates, from engaging young students through hands-on activities to providing valuable mentorship opportunities for biotech employees. They discussed the importance of starting STEM education early, the transformative impact of mentorship, and the ways companies can get involved and contribute. Success stories and the personal experiences of the guests offered a powerful testament to the program's effectiveness in fostering a diverse and inclusive pipeline for future scientists.Link In with Ashley!Learn more about Science Club for GirlsLink In with Bonnie! Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:51 Meet the Guests: Bonnie and Ashley02:37 What is Science Club for Girls?03:47 Engaging Young Minds in STEM10:26 Mentorship and Corporate Engagement21:06 Success Stories and Impact23:16 Virtual Clubs and Future Expansion26:22 How to Get Involved and Support32:01 Recommended Reads and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Lynn Walder, our first repeat guest, to dive into the pitfalls and best practices of defining culture and core values for growing companies. There has been a shift in how companies invest in and operationalize culture over the past two decades. Lynn shares insights from her extensive experience, including the importance of early core value implementation, the challenges of aligning leadership actions with stated values, and the need for clear communication and accountability. We also discuss various assessments Lynn uses to help biotech companies define and uphold their foundational values, and how these values guide companies through times of change and crisis. Learn more about Executive Management PartnersLink In with Lynn!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back00:34 The Evolution of Culture in Biotech03:01 Defining and Implementing Core Values05:52 Challenges in Aligning Leadership with Core Values10:27 The Importance of Early Implementation16:32 Assessments and Frameworks for Leadership23:59 Operationalizing Values in Biotech37:49 Transparency and Communication in Leadership39:58 Conclusion and Contact InformationMentioned in this episode:lynn walder intro

Today, I had the opportunity to speak with Amogha Tadimety, PhD, CEO, and Alison Burklund, PhD, President & CTO, co-founders of Nanopath, an innovative company specializing in women’s health diagnostics. Both hailing from Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering, Amogha and Alison walk us through the challenges and opportunities of founding a diagnostic company during the COVID era. We chatted about the intricacies of bringing foundational technology to consumers, including the importance of navigating the insurance system and the specific focus of their technology on improving point-of-care diagnostics in women's health. They highlighted the need for innovative tools in OB-GYN practices, the strategic decisions that shaped Nanopath's direction, and the significant milestones they have achieved. They also emphasized the importance of building a strong team and network, overcoming healthcare system challenges, and their vision for the company's future, which includes creating a comprehensive well-woman panel and expanding the technology for broader applications.Get Alison's recommended book: The Fourth Turning is hereGet Amogha's recommended book: Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna PickLink In with Alison!Link In with Amogha!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to Nanopath Founders00:59 Career Paths and Early Inspirations01:42 The PhD Innovation Program02:16 Founding Nanopath: The Journey Begins04:58 Nanopath's Mission and Technology08:13 Navigating the Healthcare System10:14 Challenges and Opportunities During COVID-1916:05 Building a Strong Team and Network24:02 Future Vision and Goals25:38 Reading Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

In this episode, I sat down with Ben Hemani from Bison Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage frontier technology companies. We explore his background in environmental engineering and his transition into the venture capital world, driven by a passion for technology and sustainability. Ben elaborates on the interconnected areas Bison Ventures invests in, such as biotech, high-performance computing, and climate sustainability, emphasizing the critical role cross-pollination plays in innovation. We explore the nuances of assessing early-stage companies, focusing on the importance of founder teams, technical maturity, and long-term planning. Ben also shares insights on the current funding landscape and the strategic support Bison Ventures offers its portfolio companies.Get Ben's favorite book at the moment! Expecting Better (The ParentData Series Book 1) by Emily OsterLink In with Ben!Bison VenturesConnect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to Ben Hemani and Bison Ventures00:34 Ben Hemani's Background and Career Path02:48 Transition into Venture Capital04:37 Overview of Bison Ventures06:13 Investment Strategies and Challenges14:49 Supporting Founding Teams19:11 Life Cycle of Portfolio Companies23:07 Current Trends and Future Prospects25:34 Day in the Life of a VC27:05 Personal Insights and Recommendations28:21 Conclusion and Contact Information

This week I sat down with Krisha Panchalingham, Director of Lab and Scientific Operations at Portal Innovations. Krisha shares how she and her team support early-stage biotech companies through the operational intricacies of setting up labs, handling logistics, maintaining equipment, and complying with regulations. We also discuss the importance of vendor management, the role of external consultants, and the strategic partnerships required to efficiently run lab operations. Krisha also emphasizes the significance of mentorship and the strategic role of operational support in the success of biotech startups. We also discuss how Portal Innovations fosters a nurturing ecosystem for biotech startups, underscoring the balance between scientific discovery and operational excellence.Get Krisha's recommended book! A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Official Guides to the Appalachian Trail)Boston Globe: The promise of biotech jobs is coming to Boston’s neighborhoods - MassBioLink In with Krisha!Portal Innovations LLCConnect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to Krisha Penchalingham and Portal Innovations00:57 Krisha's Journey: From Childhood to Biotech03:58 Role and Responsibilities at Portal Innovations04:24 Supporting Early-Stage Biotech Companies06:20 Challenges and Successes in Lab Operations07:47 Team Dynamics and Growth at Portal Innovations08:28 Expanding Ecosystems and Future Plans22:26 Mentorship and Career Advice27:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

This week, Carina Clingman, PhD, Founder and Principal of Recruitomics Consulting, outlines an actionable 3-Step framework to simplify the recruitment process and hire top-quality talent. The discussion covers common challenges faced by small companies, such as desperation hiring and inefficiencies, and offers solutions like implementing applicant tracking systems (ATS), streamlining processes, and leveraging data-driven hiring. The episode also emphasizes the significance of proper training and compliance in conducting fair and effective interviews. Listeners will learn how to audit current processes, install a sustainable hiring engine, and ensure they attract and select the best talent, even on a limited budget.Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Talent in Biotech00:54 Why Systems Matter in Talent Acquisition02:05 Common Challenges in Small Companies04:20 The Concept of Chicken Math in Startups07:58 Auditing Your Hiring Process09:31 Building a Sustainable Hiring Engine10:54 The Role of Applicant Tracking Systems19:08 The Importance of Training and Legalities24:31 Data-Driven Hiring Decisions31:42 Conclusion: Implementing Effective Hiring Strategies

This week I chatted with Oriana Papin-Zoghbi, CEO and co-founder of AOA Dx. Oriana shares insights on the challenges of fundraising and the importance of building a network for startup success. She highlights her career shift from biochemistry to economics and international relations, finally leading to her involvement in women's health diagnostics. Oriana emphasizes the significance of finding one's passion for excelling in their field and the role of previous startup successes in her current venture. I also loved learning more about AOA Dx's mission to revolutionize women's health diagnostics, focusing on unmet needs such as early ovarian cancer detection through innovative biomarker research. Oriana highlights the impact of leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of innovation in healthcare.Get Oriana's recommended book! Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NikeLink In with Oriana!AOA DX – Early cancer detectionConnect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to Oriana Papin-Zoghbi and AOA DX00:37 Oriana's Journey: From Aspiring Doctor to Women's Health Innovator04:06 Challenges and Triumphs in Women's Health Innovation07:38 The Founding of AOA DX: A Mission to Transform Women's Health07:57 Lessons Learned from Successful Exits and Setting Up AOA DX09:28 AOA DX's Vision and Mission: Advancing Women's Health Diagnostics12:57 Fundraising Journey: Overcoming Skepticism and Building Trust15:21 Leveraging Business Development Skills in Fundraising16:31 Y Combinator Experience and the Value of Community18:23 Advice for Aspiring Founders in Women's Health20:29 Future Plans for AOA DX and Personal Aspirations23:48 Oriana's Reading Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

This week, I chatted with leadership advisor, speaker, entrepreneur, and podcast host Tony Martignetti, MBA, CPC, Founder, and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspired Purpose Partners. We both agree there’s a critical need for more comprehensive coaching and support for leaders in the biotech industry. Drawing from his diverse career that spans from art to finance and biotech, Tony shares insights into how leaders can become more grounded. He highlights his three Cs of grounded leadership - Connection, Curiosity, and Compassion - and underscores the significance of mental health, adapting to rapid change, and maintaining authenticity in the workplace. These qualities, he argues, are paramount for building strong companies and navigating the complexities of leadership in fast-evolving sectors like biotech.Get Tony's favorite book: The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal LifeTony Martignetti: books, biography, latest updateFollow Tony on Social!Inspired Purpose PartnersLink In with Tony!Ted TalkPodcast - Inspired Purpose PartnersCampfires of Connection - Inspired Purpose CoachingConnect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to Tony Martignetti: A Multifaceted Leadership Advisor00:11 The Importance of Leadership Coaching in Biotech00:57 Tony's Journey: From Childhood Dreams to Leadership Advisory02:37 The Pivotal Shift: Embracing Leadership Advisory After Burnout04:42 Addressing Burnout: Personal Insights and Industry Observations08:06 Navigating Post-Pandemic Challenges and Emphasizing Connection11:11 The Three Cs of Grounded Leadership: Connection, Curiosity, Compassion25:17 Incorporating Experience Design in Leadership Coaching27:58 Campfire Lessons for Leaders: Tony's Book and Vision for the Future35:44 Final Thoughts and Resources for Aspiring Leaders